Red line review: SRT on track to prevent airport link hiccup

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board mandated a review of the Red Line electric train extension project due to concerns that design modifications might interfere with the high-speed rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports.

Anan Phonimdang, SRT Deputy Governor, highlighted the board’s apprehensions regarding the relocation of a station on the 25.9-kilometre extension, which could potentially disrupt the high-speed train route from Bangkok to Rayong.

The crux of the issue lies in the proposed move of Ratchawithee Station from its original position near Ban Ratchawithee to a location adjacent to Ramathibodi Hospital, connected by a skywalk. This alteration would place the Red Line extension in proximity to the high-speed rail system and increase the project cost by 400 million baht, bringing the total to 44.15 billion baht, said Anan.

“The board wants to know the reason for the design change in more detail and the result of talks with the private company [builder of the high-speed train system] because the information at hand is incomplete.

“SRT must demonstrate the benefits of relocating the station and ensure it does not impact the high-speed rail system. The board has requested comprehensive documentation to preclude future issues.”

The SRT board is scheduled to review the matter next month. Anan also noted that competition for passengers between the two systems is unlikely, as the high-speed train does not stop in the Ratchawithee area. Passengers wishing to transfer to the electric train will need to alight at Phaya Thai station and then switch to the Red Line.

Approved by the Cabinet in July 2016, the Red Line electric train extension project has seen minimal progress. The SRT is still refining the project design, and the station relocation will necessitate a new environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Asia Era One, a consortium led by CP Group, is responsible for constructing the high-speed airport link. The consortium secured the 224.5 billion baht contract in 2018. However, the project has experienced delays due to several factors, including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which have prompted renegotiations of certain contractual sections to ensure the route’s completion, reported Bangkok Post.